Ikariya Shokudo イカリヤ食堂

Kiyamachi south of Shijo is fast-becoming the place to go for good food without all of the neon signage and groups of students you find north of Shijo. Traditional machiya townhouses still line the streets and, more often than not, that house either bars or restaurant. Ikariya Shokudo, just opened on April 1st, will no doubt be on our all star list. Friendly and bilingual staff, combined with an extensive wine list and food to match make for a tempting combination. Be sure to try to the pan fried shrimp  (above) and the foie gras pate (below). Outside patio dining will be open on May 1st. We'll definitely be there! (Ikariya Shokudo is located about 150m south of Shijo on Kiyamachi, east side. Look for the anchor!)

Monthly Jazz at the Hosomi Museum

Every third Thursday you can enjoy jazz concerts along with dinner at Cafe Cube in the Hosomi Museum! Check the cafe for details on musicians and charges. 

Butterfly - Kyoto Newest Dance Club

For those looking for night life, check out Butterfly, right by Sanjo-Kawaramachi. Butterfly is set up perfectly for party-goers: large dance floor, island bar, VIP rooms and clean washrooms. The lighting, especially at the entrance, makes it feel like out of this world.

For more information, see article in Kansai Scene here.

Sumi-yaki Akari: Yakitori with wine

Near the south west corner of the Imperial gardens is Sumi-yaki Akari, a yakitori restaurant set up for wine lovers. While most yakitori venues feature mostly beer and shochu, here you can enjoy an extensive wine list of mostly European wines, including sparkling. The menu is also geared for towards the wine, including (above) chicken skin and mushroom, sprinkled with parmesan. Below: pickled asparagus and mushrooms. (Located just south of Marutamachi on Teramachi, near Screen hotel)

Sakamichi - Sake delight / Teppen ramen

For sake connoisseurs nearby Kyoto University, there is Sakamichi. Run by an enthusiastic young owner, Koyama-san, there is sake for almost every palette. And nothing goes better with sake than sashimi which Koyama-san beautifully prepares. Love the wine glasses used for sake too.

Just 2 min east of Sakamichi is Teppen, famous for their Kyoto-style shio-ramen (salt stock ramen). The light broth is topped off generously with green onion and niku dango (meat balls). Not too overwhelming, nice way to end the evening.

INSPIRE JAPAN

EDK was proud to sponsor INSPIRE JAPAN Pecha Kucha Night Kyoto vol.3, a charity presentation event for areas affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. All proceeds will go to Architecture for Humanity which uses design solutions to help communities rebuild. Nearly 100 cities around the world held INSPIRE JAPAN events on the same day, April 16th. Thanks to all who attended. See the event again on USTREAM.

Cherry Blossom Party - Kyo-ryori Isobe

Kyo-ryori Isobe is a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki restaurant located within Maruyama park and features special seating for cherry blossom viewing. The deep fried yuba (tofu skin) was delicious as well as the sashimi. 

Maruyama park is the most popular place for company workers to hold their cherry blossom parties. At night, there are dozens of food stalls that serve everything from taiyaki (sweet bean fish cakes) and takoyaki (octopus balls). The main attraction of the park is the giant cherry tree which is lit up while in bloom. Absolutely magical. 

For photos of Kyo-ryori Isobe, please click here:

http://www.kyoryori-isobe.co.jp/tenpo/index.html